Terrestrial Biomes: Plant Growth Forms

Deciduous Trees

Lose leaves during cold, dry periods due to less sun and no available water for photosynthesis (saves energy)

Temperate Deciduous Forests (seasonality)

Cacti/Shrubs

Store a lot of water, have thorns to protect from predators, and have stems that perform photosynthesis

Deserts (dry)

Needle-leaved Evergreen Trees

Can perform photosynthesis all year round due to needle-shaped leaves, which lose less water,, adapting to cold, dry conditions

Boreal and Temperate Forests

Grasses/Sedges

Can easily regrow after destruction (from fire or herbivores)

Grasslands and Savannahs

Broad-leaved Evergeen Trees

Can do photosynthesis year-round because they are found in places that do not get dry and cold, no need to lose leaves

Tropical Rainforest

Forbs

Found in consistently cold places, has tough skin, hair on plant to trap heat

Seasonally cool/cold